Founded from humble beginnings 25 years ago, New Belgium Brewing started in the basement of its founder Kim Jordan and her husband, Jeff Lebesch, who, along with friends, produced the labels and delivered beer in their station wagon.

While attending the University of Vermont from 2004 to 2007, Andy Jones took notice of the impact that craft beer was having on the U.S. market. However, when he returned home to Washington, D.C., the presence of brands was inconsistent to what he had been accustomed to in Vermont.

When it comes to food and beverage pairings, many often think of wine, but as beer sales continue to grow and craft beer gains an even firmer foundation, consumers have gained interest in matching their beers with food.

Summit Brewing Co., St. Paul, Minn., has served both craft beer and its community since 1986. To Summit, it’s not just a priority to brew fine, hand-crafted beer, but also to give back to the community that has supported it throughout the years. The company feels that great beer is even better when it’s shared with family and friends.

Around the Bend Beer Co.’s Puffing Billy American brown ale launched in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles for the first time. Named after a legendary steam locomotive, Puffing Billy presents a label that fits into the Chicago-based startup brewery’s existing profile with an imaginative steampunk-inspired design, the company says.

The craft beer market has a range of different consumers. There are the avid beer consumers who are tapped into the latest styles and trends, but there also are the ones who lean on their friends for suggestions. But no matter which type of consumer an individual is, he or she is not at a loss for some new, unique beers as the segment continues to grow.

Events

Learn how the craft beer segment is helping the overall U.S. beer market, how craft brewers are embracing growth opportunities, what innovations brand owners are doing to entice consumers and new on-premise alcoholic beverage sales tracking

Attendees will learn about functional beverage innovations, trends, and consumer purchase drivers, what Millennials expect from healthy beverage products and how to make and keep your brand relevant and sensory challenges in functional beverages and flavor/odor masking solutions to meet consumer expectations for great taste